James Crawley reports from Ashton Gate

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Report: Bristol City 0-1 Norwich City

An attacking onslaught from City ended in disappointment at Ashton Gate, as Norwich City struck late to seal a 1-0 victory.

James Maddison's strike proved the difference despite a dominant attacking display from the Robins, with the upright and a fine save from Angus Gunn denying City.

January recruit Liam Walsh made his league and home debut as he replaced Hordur Magnusson in the City starting XI, while loan signing Ryan Kent was introduced to the home crowd in the second half.

After nine minutes of play both sets of fans came together with a minute's applause in memory of Bristol Rovers supporter Bailey Cooper, after the nine-year-old passed away following a battle with cancer.

AN EVEN AFFAIR

The game remained even in the early exchanges but the first chance of note fell to the away side, with Frank Fielding forced to parry a shot from Maddison while Joe Bryan’s first-time curling effort sailed off target at the other end, as he latched on to a Walsh corner.

Maddison tried his luck with a free kick which Fielding was equal to but it was his teammate Josh Murphy who thought he had the City shotstopper beaten with a low shot; thankfully for the home fans, Nathan Baker timed a goal-line sliding clearance to perfection to deny the Canaries attacker.

The Robins looked threatening each time they broke forward but attempts on goal remained limited. Bryan tried his luck from distance after bursting forward but Angus Gunn made easy work of the save.

But the away side continued to attack and Grant Hanley stabbed over the bar after a scramble in the box.

The first half would end all square as a further effort from Murphy sailed over and Nelson Oliveira placed a shot narrowly wide.

ALL-OUT ATTACK

City came flying out of the traps for start of second-half and while there were no concrete chances early on, the attacking intent was certainly there.

Gunn had to be equal to another fizzing Bryan drive and Josh Brownhll rattled the upright with a right-footed effort from range.

Walsh was soon replaced by Kent who almost had the home crowd cheering but his shot, after twisting inside the penalty area, was placed low into the hands of keeper Gunn.

MADDISON NETS WINNER

But for all City’s dominance, the Canaries struck ten minutes from time as Maddison drilled the decisive shot beyond Fielding. Mario Vrancic found Ivo Pinto in the build up, who slid a pass into Maddison and the attacking midfielder sent his effort into the far corner.

City tried desperately to draw level and came so close after Aden Flint's low cross could only be cleared as far as Brownhill and Gunn made a superb diving save to deny him close range in what looked a certain goal.

The Canaries held out for all three points as the Robins’ search for their first win of the calendar year continues.